E-Dragster Competitors Assemble for Pre-race Pit Stop April 26

Tired of paying more than $4 for a gallon of gas? Many consumers concede little choice, but this year’s kickoff to Imagine RIT: Innovation and Creativity Festival should “spark” some interest in potential alternatives.

More than a dozen teams consisting of students, faculty and staff will compete against Rochester Institute of Technology President Bill Destler in the E-Dragster Race on May 5. Participants have created their own electric-powered vehicles, which will face off against Destler’s entry in a 100-meter performance test. The winning challengers choose a grand prize of either $1,000 or an antique banjo from Destler’s personal collection.

“I want to dispel the myth that electric vehicles are glorified golf carts and cannot perform at the level of gas-powered vehicles,” he says. “We want to encourage our community to look into alternative transportation concepts that would be greener and could potentially reduce our dependence on imported oil.”

Competitors join President Destler for an E-Dragster Race preview 11-11:30 a.m. April 26 in RIT’s Simone Plaza, adjacent to Eastman Hall. Weather permitting, teams will have vehicles on display and be available to talk strategy.

Race time is 9 a.m. May 5, prior to the official opening of Imagine RIT.